BIRMINGHAM AL.- Have a day Lajohntay Wester!
Today (November 4), Florida Atlantic traveled deep into conference rival territory to Protective Stadium to face the University of Alabama-Birmingham. Clearly, UAB forgot to watch FAU wide receiver, Lajohntay Wester’s film leading into this week’s matchup.
On his first reception of the game, Lajohntay became FAU’s all-time single season reception leader. Wester’s 77th (and counting) reception on the season cemented him into the Owls’ record books!
The Biletnikoff Award Watch List Receiver had some more tricks up his sleeve today, totaling over 200 receiving yards and 4 total touchdowns (3 receiving 1 rushing). Lajohntay started the scoring frenzy with a 12 yard touchdown reception on an out route early in the second quarter.
At the end of the first half, FAU trailed UAB 28-14. Despite the halftime deficit, this is where Wester started to turn up.
Following a long 39 yard rush by quarterback Daniel Richardson to put the Owls in the red zone, Lajohntay lined up in the back field, motioning outside for an easy 3 yard touchdown rush, scoring his second touchdown of the day.
After a Dwight Toombs interception puts the Owls offense back on the field, Wester was ready to find himself back in the end zone. This time, Richardson found Wester for a 20 yard reception, earning his third of the day.
At the beginning of the fourth quarter, the Owls offense lit off the fireworks. Daniel Richardson found Lajohntay Wester DEEP for a long 76 yard touchdown to tie the game 35-35. This would be Wester’s final trip to the Promised Land, as he records 11 receptions, 220 receiving yards, 4 total touchdowns.
Unfortunately for FAU, the comeback ended there, as UAB slips away with the victory, winning 45-42 on a final seconds field goal. Despite their best efforts, Florida Atlantic falls to 4-5 (3-2 AAC).
On a positive note, Lajohntay Wester has solidified himself as one of the NCAA’s top receivers, with over a quarter of the season remaining.
The Owls will return home next Saturday (November 11) to host conference opponent East Carolina. Kickoff is slated for 4:00 P.M.
